It’s what’s inside that counts. Lifejacket design has changed immeasurably since Dr John Wilkinson patented the first cork lifejacket in 1765. Today’s inflatable gas lifejackets would be unrecognisable to the seafaring community of the 1700s.
Here we take a look at what you can expect to find beneath the cover of modern-day lifejackets. After all, your life may depend upon it.
Bladder design
The bladder is the very heart and soul of a lifejacket and is the part that is actively working to increase your chances of survival during an in-water emergency. Lifejacket bladders come in many shapes and sizes but their fundamental aim is to increase the distance between the airway and the waterline (referred to in the industry as mouth freeboard) and rotate the wearer into a face up position.
Over the years, bladders have become more resilient and their design has become more sophisticated. Using the ErgoFit 290N bladder (as seen below) as an example, its sculpted 3D shape creates a unique distribution of buoyancy that increases the wearer’s mouth freeboard, freedom of movement and enhances the lifejacket’s turning-speed.
DID YOU KNOW that a lot of the bladder technology applied and used in marine leisure products was originally developed for the commercial, defence or rescue service sectors?
Inflation Mechanisms
When the first inflatable lifejackets were introduced, they solely relied on the wearer inflating the bladder orally through the oral inflation tube. A great start, but not without its disadvantages!
Today (thankfully) lifejackets have moved a long way on from this and now include various inflation systems, known as inflation mechanisms, which do not require user intervention for activation. The obvious benefit is that the lifejacket is designed to work even if the wearer is unconscious. There are three key types of inflation mechanism and even though the triggers of activation are different, the common denominator is that they utilise a CO2
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Features
The thinking behind lifejacket design begins with approval standards and it is from these that lifejacket manufacturers develop their designs. However, lifejackets are not all created equal and it is important to know what features are included and whether a particular lifejacket is the best choice for your activity. It is worth noting that all inflatable lifejackets must include (in addition to the obvious!); a whistle, lifting becket and Retro reflective tape. On top of this, there are additional features that increase your chances of survival in the overboard environment that are worth considering. These include a spray hood, light & emergency beacon.
Lifejackets have developed enormously over the years. So next time you’re looking for a new lifejacket, remember, it’s what’s inside that counts and familiarise yourself with the features of the bladder. After all, it is the bladder that is working to save your life, which is the very reason you are wearing a lifejacket!
